February 2019
February is Low Vision Awareness Month
February is National Children's Dental Health Month
Healthy Heart Awareness
Flu Season is Back: Are You Ready?
Recipe:Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Berry Sauce
February Fun Family Activities
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February is National Children's Dental Health Month
The February 2019 National Children's Dental Health Month is brought to you by the American Dental Association (ADA). This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.
This year's NCDHM campaign slogan is "Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile"
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Heart Health Awareness
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.
To lower your risk:
- Watch your weight.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
- Get active and eat healthy.
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Flu season is back. Are you ready?
Editor's note: Author, Jennifer Mensik, does not endorse, recommend or favor any program, product or service advertised or referenced on this website, or that appear on any linkages to or from this website.
Flu Season Is Back ;Are You Ready
Last season, I wrote about plenty of good reasons to get a flu vaccine. Based on Facebook postings and continued conspiracy theory beliefs, it seems like a good candidate for discussion again this year.
If you work in healthcare, you should have gotten your flu vaccine by now. The only exceptions are those who are immune compromised or truly allergic to the ingredients, such as eggs.
If you haven't gotten your flu shot by now, what are you waiting for? You can walk into your occupational health office and get the shot. You can go to your grocery store in many states and get it from the pharmacist in the pharmacy. You can get it in your provider's office. You have to go to great lengths to ignore getting it and, at this point, you have no excuses.
Are you too busy? I can appreciate that. But what you spend time on is a reflection of your values. You can find 15 minutes to get your flu vaccine.
This year, our family made getting vaccinated a family event at the grocery store pharmacy. My 6-year-old son couldn't get it since state law won't allow a pharmacist in Oregon to administer it to those age 7 and younger. (Hello, I hear the need for a state law change.)
But two adults and three kids left immunized on a Saturday afternoon. It was a family outing because they each understand how important it is to get vaccinated. Let me note, my 6-year-old was crying because he was the only one who didn't get vaccinated, and he wanted his. I did carve out time for him to get his vaccine the following week at the pediatrician's office.
It is your ethical responsibility to get immunized as healthcare workers.
Flu season is threat to human life
News outlets reported during winter 2017-2018 that one out of 10 deaths were attributed to the flu. The CDC said that from Oct. 1, 2017, through April 28, 2018, 30,453 laboratory-confirmed, influenza-related hospitalizations were reported through the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network.
People 65 and older accounted for approximately 58% of reported influenza-associated hospitalizations, according to the CDC. Overall hospitalization rates during 2017-2018 were the highest ever recorded in this surveillance system, breaking the previously recorded high during 2014-2015.
As of October 27, 2018, a total of 185 pediatric deaths had been reported to CDC during the 2017-2018 season. This number exceeds the previously highest number of flu-associated deaths in children reported during a regular flu season (171 during the 2012-2013 season).
On average 40% of children who die from the flu have no pre-existing conditions. About 80% of these deaths occurred in children who had not received a flu vaccination this season.
Although adult flu deaths are not nationally notifiable, the CDC, based on lab-confirmed rates of the flu, notes the virus has resulted in between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations annually since 2010.
Debate surrounds flu vaccine
We all need to participate in herd immunity for those individuals who cannot become vaccinated because of a life-threatening illness. Beyond influenza deaths, the World Health Organization states immunization averts an estimated 2.5 million pediatric deaths a year.
Let's rehash the important information about the flu vaccine to debunk any myths.
- First, it is not made with the real virus. You can't get the flu from it. If you get sick, you had already been exposed to the flu or a cold virus at about the same time. This was a coincidence, not the vaccine getting you sick.
- There is another group of naysayers who say the flu vaccination is not always effective each year. True, the flu vaccine doesn't work well with the H3N2 virus, but each flu season is more than just one strain. That is why some people who get vaccinated still get sick. You just don't know which strain you will be exposed to any year - there isn't just one strain circulating. But each year, the developed flu vaccine does protect against three or four different flu viruses.
For the last flu season, the CDC states the overall vaccine effectiveness of the 2017-2018 flu vaccine against both influenza A and B viruses was estimated to be 40%. This means the flu vaccine reduced a person's overall risk of having to seek medical care at a physcian's office for flu illness by 40%.
Protection by virus type and sub-type was:
- 25% against A(H3N2)
- 65% against A(H1N1)
- 49% against influenza B viruses
Take in all the evidence and recognize the flu shot is beneficial to you and your patients. I am asking you not to play Russian roulette with your life and the lives of others. Getting the vaccine is more likely to help you and your patients stay healthy.
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Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Berry Sauce
One of my goals in life is to somehow make miniature versions of every food ever made. Okay not really, but I do sort of have a little obsession with miniaturizing things. I love puffed pancakes (aka Dutch Baby, German Pancake, etc.) and as I was making
Brazilian Cheese Rolls the other day, I realized they have a similar batter, which made me think I should try little bite-sized versions of these too. Lots of people make these in a big 9×13 pan and cut it into squares, I usually prefer mine in a cast iron skillet because the edges cook up so crisp and brown, but this is a fun little twist. I often try to think of ways to make foods easier for my kids to eat and these are just so...poppable!
 This is something we make often at my house (sometimes even for dinner!) because it's made with super basic ingredients. Just milk, flour, eggs, and a bit of butter. I make mine with the least amount of eggs possible, so it's not so...eggy. They're just soft and pillowy and perfect for dipping in just about anything. I just put everything in my blender and then pour them into a mini muffin tin.
Unless of course your awesome blog partner sent you the world's cutest cast iron mini-heart pan for Christmas, then definitely use that.
Pop the pan in a hot oven and watch that batter puff right up. See how those edges browned up? That's why I love using cast iron, but a simple nonstick muffin tin works great too.
While they're in the oven you can whip up a quick berry sauce. This is one of my sneaky secrets. It's so easy to make a fresh berry sauce if you're like me and keep those bags of frozen fruit in the freezer for smoothies. The triple berry mix from Costco is great, or just frozen strawberries or raspberries. Or fresh certainly works as well, but I don't usually have a fridge stocked with fresh berries in January. I just mix up a few frozen berries and a few tablespoons of whatever berry jam I have in the fridge. I heat it in the microwave for a bit and then mash it all together with a fork, adding sugar if needed. The jam sweetens and gives body to the sauce and the berries make it taste like it's fresh. It's so easy; I use this for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, and all kinds of stuff like that.
When those little golden puffs are done just pop them onto a plate or platter and drizzle with some melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. You can either pour the sauce over, or put it in little bowls for dipping. My kids love dipping them in maple syrup too.
A little Cool Whip or sweetened whipped cream makes it extra special.
Since these are pretty quick and easy, they'd make a fun special breakfast for Valentine's Day.
Annnnd I know we're focusing on healthy eating this month, but stick with me! The fact that these are miniature makes it really easy to portion. One little mini muffin sized puff (alone) clocks in at just over 20 calories, so you can definitely have 5 or 6 with some fresh fruit on top and a
dollop
of cool whip and still not even be splurging. Eat up!
Mini Puffed Oven Pancakes with Berry Sauce
recipe by ourbestbites.com
Ingredients
3/4 cup flour (*see note below)
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
2-3 tablespoons butter, melted
powdered sugar
Berry Sauce
6 large frozen or fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons berry jam
optional: sugar if needed, to taste
*Since so many have made these and love them, I didn't want to alter the recipe from its original posting. however, since making these more often, I have found I prefer the texture of the finished puffed pancakes when I decrease the flour to 1/2 cup. Try it both ways and See how you like it!
Instructions
Place mini muffin pan (or cast iron skillet) in oven and heat to 400 degrees. While oven is heating, place flour, milk, eggs, and salt in a blender and blend until smooth. Carefully remove the pan from the oven (don't forget it's hot!) and quickly spray the wells with non-stick spray, or brush with melted butter. But we're going for quick and easy here so I just grab the spray. (If using cast iron pan, coat entire pan surface with butter). Fill muffin wells 3/4 full with batter. Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until puffed and slightly golden on top. Remove puffs and place on plate or platter. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Drizzle with berry sauce and top with cool whip or whipped cream, or serve with sauce and/or maple syrup for dipping.
Quick and Easy Berry Sauce
If using frozen berries, place berries and jam in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 1 minute. Use a fork to stir and mash everything together (cut strawberries if necessary), or place everything in a blender and pulse a few times until desired consistency is reached. Add sugar to taste for sweetness and a few teaspoons of water or juice only if needed for consistency.
Yields about 24 mini muffin pancake puffs
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February Fun Family Activities
11/29/2018 - 5/30/2019
Tyke's Tuesdays and Thursday's
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
ISC Cherry Hill
650 Kresson Road
Cherry Hill 08034
CALL TO CONFIRM TIMES
REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED
AGE RANGE: Preschoolers
CALL: 856-428-8588
Thursday (Begins September 20, 2018 and runs through May 30, 2019. Closed for Thanksgiving) Tyke's Thursday's 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. $8 Per Child Includes: Fun and energetic soccer lesson, time in our FunZone, snack and juice. Ages 6 and under
1/3/2019 - 2/14/2019
Winterfest Ice Skating at Cooper River
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cooper River Park across from the Crown Plaza Hotel
Corner of North Park Drive and Cuthbert Avenue
Cherry Hill 08003
REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED
AGE RANGE: All Ages
COST: $See website for skate rental and rink admission.
MORE DETAILS: Cooper River Park has once again transformed into a winter wonderland with tasty treats, and family fun! WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River is open Thursday - Sunday from November 30th until February 18, 2019. WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River is presented by the Camden County Board of Freeholder and TD Bank.
New this year! WinterFest will include more family fun with arcade games in the heated tent and outdoor games for families to enjoy when they are off the ice.
2/8/2019
PJ Masquerade Ball
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Rd
Cherry Hill 08003
CALL TO CONFIRM TIMES
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
AGE RANGE: Preschoolers, Elementary
CALL: 856-424-1233
Put on your PJs and your thinking cap and get ready to solve a mini mystery with your favorite masked friends! Look for clues around the museum and catch the villain, then dance the night away in your PJs!
2/16/2019
Fancy Nancy Valentine Brunch Advanced ticket purchase required
9:00 am - 11:00 am and 12 pm -2:00 pm
The Pop Shop
729 Haddon Avenue
Party Room - Entrance on Washington
Collingswood 08108
856-869-0111
Ooh la la! You are cordially invited to a Valentine SOIREE to celebrate Fancy Nancy!
This very fancy party will include brunch buffet, dessert and a visit with Fancy Nancy in our Party Room! She will read a story, pose for pictures, lead dances and more! We'll also have Fancy Nancy coloring sheets and a Fancy Nancy video.
Mini makeovers available for an extra fee. Wear your fanciest outfit and join us!
ISC - ISC (International Sport, Skating & Fun Centre) Cherry Hill
650 Kresson Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Classes: Sports
Camps: All, Sports
HOURS: Our offices are open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Give us a buzz for more information!
CALL: 856-428-8588
MORE DETAILS: ISC (International Sport, Skating & Fun Centre) Cherry Hill is any family's destination for fun!
Located off of Kresson Road (behind the 7Eleven) in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we offer skating, a FunZone & Inflatable (10 & Under), and an arcade. Our facility also includes a cafè with pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, drinks and more!
ISC Cherry Hill offers activities for all ages, no matter the season.
Our youth & adult sports leagues run year round and include:
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Field Hockey
- Volleyball
- Roller Hockey
ISC Cherry Hill also offers School & Summer Camp programs for ages 3 ½ through Grade 8. Call for more information!
Jellybean Jungle
Crispin Square Shopping Center
Open Play Hours:
Monday - Wednesday 9:30 - 5:00
Thursday 9:30 - 6:00
Friday 9:30 - 8:00
Saturday 9:30 - 2:30
Sunday - Closed for Private Parties
Jellybean Jungle is a play and learn adventure that is exclusively for children 5 and under. Our facility is a bright and stimulating environment created just for your little ones.
Jellybean Jungle was designed by a New Jersey Early Childhood certified teacher. Safe, age appropriate equipment has been selected for your children's enjoyment. We offer a large variety of imaginative and developmentally appropriate activities that will lead your child on an adventure of social exploration! As your child plays, you will gain insight into their development, as well as enjoy a great time of bonding.
Open All Year
3111 Route 38, Ste. 14 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
856-242-9354 info@werockthespectrummountlaurel.com Call or email in advance to make sure facility is not booked for a party. Open 7 days a week We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym is the first of its kind in New Jersey, offering fitness and play space for children of all abilities, including those with sensory issues. Our Gym Includes: Suspended equipment with swings - for balance and vestibular treatment Crash mats and crash pillows - for fun, motor planning, and strength Zip line - for stress release and joint and body relaxation Trampoline - for building leg and core strength Indoor play structure - for climbing and increasing playground skills Sensory-based toys - for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills
Fine Motor and Arts and Crafts Area - for improved hand-eye coordination
Mon. - Sun.: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CALL: (856) 365-3300
1 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103 PH: 844-474-FISH (3474)
Adventure Aquarium is just minutes from downtown Philadelphia on the Camden Waterfront and features one-of-a-kind exhibits with more than 8,500 aquatic species throughout two million gallons of water. The Aquarium is home to the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast, including the only great hammerhead shark on exhibit in the United States, the only
aquarium in the world to exhibit hippos, one of only six facilities in the US to have Little Blue penguins as permanent residents and exhibits the longest Shark Bridge in the world, a unique V-shaped rope suspension bridge just inches over Shark Realm. Adventure Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is held to the absolute highest standards in animal care and exhibition.
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theater listings for specific show times, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.
62 Battleship Pl, Camden, NJ 08103-3302
Located on the Camden Waterfront, NJ, across the Delaware River from Center City Philadelphia the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial offers guided and self-guided tours. Climb inside the 16" gun turrets, learn explore the captain's cabins and crew's quarters and discover what life was like for a Battleship sailor. Group packages and educational programs are available for school. You can rent space aboard the Battleship for meetings and social events. Families and youth groups can spend the night aboard the Battleship as part of the overnight program.
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